Panasonic HDC-HS300 First Impressions Camcorder Review

by Kaitlyn Chantry
Published on Jan 9, 2009 3:49 AM

 
Intro Audio
Compression & Media Manual Controls
Still Features Handling & Use
Playback & Connectivity
 Other Features
Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings



Playback
The HDC-HS300 has the same playback mode as its predecessor. An Index screen will appear containing a series of icons representing individually recorded video clips. In order to access stills, select the photo tab via the touch screen. An identical screen will appear, only with icons that represent still images.

An Intelligent Scene Detection mode is available, which functions by automatically weeding out all scenes that the camcorder deems are unusable (poor exposure, shaky, out of focus, etc.). This is useful for scenes that were accidentally recorded while walking around, unaware that the Record button was engaged. You can also browse for scenes by Date, which will come in handy if you have hundreds of clips to wade through.

Connectivity
The HDC-HS300 has a wide variety of available ports. The most exciting feature, however, is Panasonic's better-late-than-never decision to move the HDMI and USB ports into the LCD cavity. Hiding them under the battery was one of our least favorite features of the 2008 lineup.


  HDC-HS300
AV (Composite) Yes
HDMI Yes
Component Yes
USB Yes
Microphone Input (1/8") Yes
Headphones Yes
Accessory Shoe Yes (Cold)
FireWire No
S-Video No
LANC (Wired Remote) No
Card Slot Yes
DC Power Yes

 
USB output   A/V, Component, and HMDI outputs
 
DC power input   SD/SDHC card slot
The microphone input and headphone output. The cold accessory shoe.





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